Others offered actual advice like syncing the device up to a computer and connecting to a recognisable wifi network, but it was only after two days that Evan managed to get his tablet on its way to being up and running again.

Update on toddler-iPad-lock-out: Got it into DFU mode (don’t hold down the sleep/power button too long or you end up in recovery). Now restoring. Thanks to those who shared advice!

Evan's dilemma and its lessons

Innocently locking – or wiping and formatting – a device may be just around the corner for your little one, so what to do?

According to Popular Mechanics, there are far too many online "hacks" for getting your phone out of disabled mode, and the site advises users not to trust these sources.

And even though getting his device into Device Firmware Update (DFU) mode worked for Evan, pulling it off is tricky, notes iMore.com.

As per the site, getting your device into DFU mode "allows your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to be restored from any state... [but] DFU mode requires a bit of timing and can take practice to get right."

Given the airtight nature of biometric security like fingerprint sensors and face-scanning technology, your only option may be to format your device and start from scratch, so your best bet is back up, back up back up! That's the advice of Gizmodo.

The super useful site offers advice on what to do when you've locked yourself out of a smartphone or laptop and we suggest you bookmark this guide in case of future mishaps.

Best advice, possibly, is to go into your settings before any mishaps, and ensure you won't be locked out of your phone should your tot get your pass code wrong.

Chat back:

Do you feel as if you're somehow sharing your digital toys with your children? What's the worst thing that's happened? Share your story with us, and we could publish your letter.